Lafayette to meet Army in 2016, 2018

Lafayette will face it's first FBS (Division I-A) opponent since 1997 when the Leopards travel to West Point to play Army on Oct. 15, 2016.

The game is one of two against the Black Knights announced by the school Friday, both at Michie Stadium. The second meeting is scheduled for Oct. 6, 2018.

Army was also the Leopards' last FBS opponent on Sept. 13, 1997, a 41-14 loss. Army holds a 17-1 advantage in the series which began in 1893, and all games have been played at West Point.

"We're looking forward to the chance to play against an FBS school like Army," Lafayette head coach Frank Tavani, who coached against Army as a Lafayette assistant in the 80s and 90s, said in a statement. "They have a tremendous atmosphere in West Point and it's in a location that will allow our fans to make the trip."

Lafayette and Army met nine times from 1986 to 1997 including a 38-36 final in 1992 in which Tom Kirchhoff threw for 294 yards and four touchdowns as Lafayette scored 22 fourth-quarter points to take a 36-35 lead. Army kicked a field goal with five seconds left to seal the win, the closest decision in the series history.

The Leopards' lone victory, 19-0, came on Oct. 26, 1940.

"A renewal of our football series with Army is an exciting opportunity for our student-athletes and community," said Lafayette Director of Athletics Bruce McCutcheon. "We are looking forward to our return to Michie Stadium, one of the iconic college football venues in America."